Anybody getting tired of the France photos yet? No? Good, I have a bunch more that I recently processed, and hundreds more still to get to. So, let’s keep that theme alive for another day!

This is Chateau de Chaumont, in the little town of Chaumont-sur-Loire. It is not a well-known chateau (in my estimation, at least) in the Loire Valley, but I found it to be exceptionally awesome. Whereas some of the chateaux we visited were all about impressing you with their size (I’m thinking of you, Chambord) or just awing you with their beauty (Chenonceau, which I haven’t posted anything of yet - but it’s coming!), I found this one to be more fortress-like and less showy, if that makes sense. But to be clear, it’s very well preserved. I liked it a lot. Maybe I was a knight in a previous life.

It’s perched high on a hill overlooking the River Loire, with commanding views up and downstream. I can imagine that was done on purpose. :-) There is a fabulous horse stable which you can tour, and also it’s worth wandering the grounds and having a look at the other buildings. The architecture is beautiful, and you won’t be disappointed with a stop here. Plus, it has extensive gardens which are quite beautiful.

Anyways, if you find yourself in the Loire Valley, be sure and add Chateau de Chaumont to the list of stops you need to make. You can thank me later!